The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition seeking to quash criminal proceedings over the sale of temple property and imposed ₹15,000 in exemplary costs after an objectionable submission by counsel.
The petitioners argued that the allegations should be terminated at the threshold. Justice H.P. Sandesh held that disputed questions about their knowledge of the land grant and subsequent sale required trial; their defence could not be tested under the court’s limited inherent jurisdiction.
After the court indicated its conclusion, counsel submitted that “God cannot represent” before a court or land tribunal. The 9 October 2026 order described the conduct as improper and potentially contemptuous, but chose costs instead. The amount must be paid to the Registry within one week, failing which it may be recovered as land revenue.